50 collector's manual 



f erred to a weaker solution made up as follows: 1 part formalin 

 to 15 or 18 parts of water, to which there should be added 2 

 teaspoonfuls of borax to each gallon of preservative. This weaker 

 solution is usually of sufficient strength to preserve the fish in- 

 definitely if the container is closed tightly. Always fill the 

 containers full of liquid. 



If alcohol is used, specimens should be placed while alive, if 

 possible, in 35 percent alcohol and after about 6 hours removed 

 to 75 percent alcohol. If the specimens are at all crowded, the 

 fluid should be poured off and fresh 75 percent alcohol added 

 the next day. If specimens become soft, another change of alcohol 

 should be made, again using 75 percent. 



In general, formalin preservation is best at the start, and 

 should be used instead of alcohol because the formalin hardens 

 the specimens. However, after the fish have been in formalin a 

 week, they should be transferred, if possible, to 75 percent alcohol, 

 after thoroughly washing out the formalin, because the acid in 

 the formalin has a tendency to soften the bones unless it is 

 neutralized. 



Either fresh water or salt water is practicable in preparing 

 formalin solutions, but with alcohol only fresh water may be used. 



Labels giving locality, date, collector, depth, and any other 

 information that seems pertinent, such as method of capture and 

 ecological data, should be placed in the jar with the fish when 

 collected. The labels may be written in pencil on any good 

 grade of linen paper. Do not use paper that will disintegrate in the 

 liquid, and do not write with ordinary ink, as this will wash off 

 the label. Large fish may have tags tied onto them, preferably 

 through the lower jaw, with all essential data written on the 



